Two days later.
Dr Loomis smiled at the two besuited men, the one in trousers and a dress shirt, and the woman in the smart trousers and blouse waiting in reception. "Good morning," he greeted them. "Thank you so much for coming."
"How could we not?" One of the men asked. "After we found out, we had to."
Dr Loomis glanced at the fourth man who was standing quietly behind the other three. "Mr. Leach," he nodded.
"Dr Loomis," Chris Leach acknowledged. "Nice to see you again."
"Mrs. Dawson," Dr Loomis extended his hand towards the woman. "How are you?"
The woman simply nodded but didn't speak. Dr Loomis understood why. "Don't be embarrassed," he murmured. "No one here would or will ever judge you."
"Well said," the older man of their party smiled at him. Lisa Dawson just managed to smile back but remained silent.
"Are you all ready?" Dr Loomis asked. "It's at your pace." The four nodded, and Dr Loomis led them towards one of the Smith's Grove meeting rooms.
…
Joanne, Rick, Jack and Dr Loomis stopped outside Danielle and Michael's room, and Dr Loomis knocked lightly on the unlocked door.
"Come in?" Danielle called softly.
"Danielle, Michael, there are some people here who want to meet you, especially you Danielle. Michael, I would like you to be there, purely both because of your relationship with Danielle but also the part you have played in these people's lives. However, due to who is in the meeting room, I am going to ask Rick to apply chains. If all goes well, they will be removed shortly, you have my word."
Danielle wasn't quite sure what made her do it, but she found herself speaking. "Dr Loomis, no disrespect, but isn't that sending the wrong message? If you chain Michael but you want him there, how is that going to show any change or progress?" Michael held up a message and Joanne read it aloud.
As much as I appreciate what you are saying and trying to do for me Danielle, this is not your fight. This is something Dr Loomis and I are working on; you can't influence this.
"While I wouldn't have put it quite so…" Dr Loomis hesitated. "Bluntly…" Danielle shook her head. "No, you're right Michael, sorry. It… it was automatic. God knows you've helped me enough times!"
Michael put his arm around her and drew her into him, kissing her lips once. It was a lingering; tender kiss and she understood what he was really trying to say. She smiled at him, hugged him tightly then twiddled his ears making them all chuckle, before stepping back so Rick could apply the hand and leg shackles.
"It will make sense," Rick said to Michael. "Believe me you'll understand soon enough." The killer gave him the slightest nod.
They walked down the corridors and entered meeting room one. Joanne, Rick and Jack also stayed, Dr Loomis placing Danielle's hand on the button to close the doors. She couldn't help smiling at this.
"Please put the meeting sign on for me?" He asked. Danielle did so.
"Hello Danielle," said a completely unfamiliar voice. "Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Aiden Dawson, I'm Edward Dawson's brother."
Danielle felt fear threaten to hit but desperately tried to clamp down on it. That wasn't fair. As if sensing this, the man continued.
"Please, I understand, but you must believe me I am nothing like Edward! Nothing! I rescued my sister-in-law Lisa from his clutches. When he was arrested, we fled the country for a couple of years. One of my nephews was the most vile, evil man on the face of this planet."
"One of, Sir?" Danielle asked, the word coming out automatically.
"No please," Aiden stepped forward. "No need for, "Sir," Danielle. None! I helped Lisa get out of that; I can help you too if you need it!"
"If you really are related to… him," Danielle couldn't help spitting out the last word in disgust. "Why didn't you come back and testify in his trial?"
She then heard something which made her stop dead. A voice spoke two words and she received the shock of her life. Because this voice was computerised. She knew exactly what this meant. Lisa Dawson was in the room. Edward had done some serious damage to her throat and voice box, meaning she now had to speak through a computer system. Adam had gloated about it many times.
"Good way to shut the bitch up, I'll do the same to you if you're not careful," he'd threatened Danielle many times.
"We did."
"Mrs.… Mrs. Dawson?" Danielle was speechless. "I…" Adam's mother was mere feet away from her.
"We were there when you testified," Aiden said, and if her ears weren't deceiving her, Danielle could hear pride in the voice of a man she'd just met. "We were in a safe room in the courthouse watching via live link. You were fabulous, Danielle. Absolutely amazing." She felt a rush of gratitude for him, she couldn't help it. "Thank you, Sir."
"Now, now," Aiden admonished gently. "I know it's difficult, but I am the last person you need to call, "sir." The very fact they both made you call them that is despicable."
"Aiden is the last person you need to call, "Sir," Lisa's computerised voice echoed then. Danielle could understand it perfectly due to using screen readers most of her life.
"Mrs. Dawson," Danielle began again weakly. "I…" What the hell could she say? 'Sorry about your son?'
Even though she most certainly fucking wasn't. Lisa seemed to detect her thoughts though and stopped her in a way Danielle hadn't expected, a gentle hand falling on her shoulder.
"Can you understand me?" She asked.
Danielle nodded immediately. "Yes mam."
"Call me Lisa. Don't say you're sorry about Adam. For one because I know damn well it's a lie, and two, because I most certainly am not. He was his father's son, in every evil way. I in turn am so sorry for everything he did to you. We know about that stunt at the hospital, and your suicide attempt which landed you hear in the first place. I wanted to meet you before Danielle, but we had to wait for Dr Loomis' say so."
Even through the computer, Danielle could almost hear the emotion behind Lisa's words. She gave her a small, but sincere smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Dawson."
"Oh, please!" This time Danielle couldn't help smiling as she could almost imagine the tone of Lisa's voice, even computer generated. "I told you, call me Lisa!"
"Understood," Danielle smiled at her again and this time it was truly real.
"Danielle, I said one of my nephews," Aiden said after a moment. "My other nephew is also right here, Josh. But there is a reason he hasn't spoken up to now. He, too, is nothing like Adam! Nothing at all! Ok?"
Danielle nodded uncertainly. "Yes…" What the hell could that have to do with Josh not speaking? Then, she got her answer.
"Hi Danielle, I'm Josh."
Adam's back from the dead!
That was Danielle's first immediate and stupid thought, followed by maybe Michael hadn't done the job properly? Josh sounded just like Adam, right down to the final detail! He might as well have taken Adam's voice! She felt someone grab her shoulder and pull her almost violently to them, and only knew who the holder was when she felt chains. It was Michael. Even now, his automatic need to protect her had taken over. Somehow, possibly because of how long he'd known her, he'd recognised Adam's voice through Josh just as she had. She squeezed his arm in thanks, her heart hammering with the shock.
"He and Adam are… were identical twins," Aiden said quietly. "Even their voices were identical. But believe me, Josh is not Adam! Never has been, never fucking will be!"
"Over my fucking dead body," Josh snarled and hearing that in Adam's voice made Danielle shiver, she couldn't help it.
"Fucking hell," she managed. "Did you steal Adam's voice box?" She turned immediately to apologise to Lisa, but the other woman's hand touched her shoulder again, stopping her, and Danielle knew she understood.
"I'm sorry," Josh said quietly. "But I spoke to Dr Loomis and asked if I could help you. I know I have his…" he too said 'his' with utter disgust. "Voice, so maybe I could use it to your advantage?"
"My…" Danielle was astonished. "What are you talking about, Sir?"
"That right there," Josh murmured. Adam had never spoken to her so gently, not once. He moved so he was right in front of her, and she felt Michael pull her back a little. She felt a rush of affection for him. "So, I can use my… once his, voice to tell you not to call me, "Sir," the exact opposite of what my so-called brother said to you."
"This is fucking insane," Danielle muttered and heard Aiden, Josh and the guards' soft chuckles.
"I know," Aiden said. "But Josh means what he says. He really does want to help you with the use of his voice, and Dr Loomis also agreed it was a good idea, to help you try to let go of all the pain that voice once inflicted upon you through his brother."
"I do agree," Dr Loomis now touched her shoulder. "I think it is a very good idea for the reasons Mr. Dawson just outlined. Josh here is more than willing to work with Adam Hughes, so you have both the name and the voice to help you."
"Sir," Danielle took a tentative step towards Josh and this time Michael didn't pull her back. "I don't mean this with any disrespect…" she was stopped as Josh reached out and took her hand in his. She forced the words out. "But where the hell were you when Adam was making my life hell, Sir?"
"Now come on, no need for the Sir," Josh said again, his voice just as gentle as before. Danielle could hardly believe it wasn't Adam standing in front of her. If she didn't know for absolute certainty, he was dead, she'd be sure he was playing some cruel and twisted trick on her.
"To answer you," Josh continued. Jesus it was Adam's voice entirely! "I was in hiding from our son of a bitch father! I ran away from home when I was 10, I knew what he was doing was wrong, but the police wouldn't listen to me. Then when Adam grabbed that girls' breasts at 12, they finally started to take notice. By then I was long gone, no way in hell was I going back there! When my so-called brother got arrested for that rape at 16," Danielle nodded, indicating she knew what he was talking about.
Adam had boasted to her about it several times, proud of his work. Bastard!
"The police finally helped me. I was able to locate mom and Aiden who were in hiding. Mom is now with the right brother this time," He smiled at Aiden."
"I'm so glad for you," Danielle said sincerely.
"Um," Josh turned to face Michael then. "This is why I wanted to meet you." Michael was glaring at him; Danielle could almost feel it and she was astounded Josh didn't flinch back. On the contrary, he took a step closer to Myers. "No one wants to hate their family, their flesh and blood, but we had no options left. He was… they were, evil, vile misogynists who would never have changed, no matter what. Thanks to you, mom is out of danger, as are Aiden and me. He would've come after us, mark my words. With dad… I'm sorry Edward, he's no father of mine, being in prison, I was Adam's next target. He blamed me, you see."
"For Edward being in prison?" Danielle was incredulous but not surprised. "Jesus! Mind you, this was Adam we're talking about! He'll blame everyone but himself and his father! He wanted violence and control against women to be legal."
Danielle stepped back as Josh approached Michael. This was between the two of them.
Josh could hardly believe it when Michael Myers slowly extended his hand and took his offered one. He looked into the killer's eyes, but he didn't feel fear, just enormous gratitude. "You hear the damage my evil fucker of a father did to mom," he murmured to Michael. "Adam would've finished the job if you hadn't stopped him. Yes, we know it was because of Danielle, but you also helped us, and we are exceptionally grateful. The only reason I'm staying as a Dawson now is because mom is now married to the right Dawson, Aiden!"
"Congratulations," Danielle and the guards said in unison.
Aiden smiled and hugged Lisa. "Thank you."
"Mr. Myers," Lisa's computerised voice spoke from beside them. Michael turned. From Joanne's soft sob, Danielle was certain Michael had just taken her hand, smiled at her, or given some kind gesture.
"We cannot thank you enough for what you've done for us," Lisa said. "What Josh says is correct. We would've been next on Adam's hit list if it wasn't for you. I have no doubt his plan was to kill Danielle this time after his first attempt failed, he drove you to it in our eyes, that counts as attempt murder. Then come after us."
"Figures," Danielle said in disgust. "His own damn mother!" Lisa squeezed her shoulder again.
"We have one final person in the room," Dr Loomis said after a moment.
"Hi Danielle, Michael," said another voice which Danielle was shocked to hear.
"Chris?"
"Yes, it's me," the ex-crime Lord said.
"We took a damn long time to trust him," Aiden said, glancing at Leach. "I'm still not sure I do completely! But after he rescued you that night Danielle, he contacted us through his… resources. It was he who told us Adam was deceased."
"That's fair Sir," Leach said, nodding to the older man.
"So, while I still question your true motives," Aiden continued. "We thank you for contacting us to let us know. God fucking knows how you found us… but you did, and we can't pretend we are not grateful for it."
"Don't say that was because of me," Danielle said. "Please, I can't take any more people saying it was because of me!"
"Oh of course not," now Aiden stepped forward and hugged her, and Danielle didn't stop him, she hugged him back, feeling his soft suit beneath her fingers. "I know about you and men in suits," he chuckled. "Feel away. As for it not being you, of course it is! But we should be careful before your head gets too big for your neck, eh?"
She couldn't help touching his expensive suit, shirt and tie, then his solid platinum tie pin. "Josh is also in a suit," Aiden murmured. "But he kept his distance on purpose. Dr Loomis told us about that because he had to obviously, considering we were both in suits." She nodded.
"Josh," she said hesitantly after a moment as Aiden stepped back.
"" Yep," Josh said, stepping towards her. She was starting to feel affection for him, Aiden and Lisa. Such kind people who had been through the same hell as she had due to Adam and Edward, now here they were, treating her almost like family. "Can you come here a second, please?"
He stopped in front of her, and she reached out and put her hand on his arm, feeling his suit jacket. If he spoke now, it would be Adam's voice, while he was wearing a suit. Something Adam had teased her about constantly, used as a cruel lever to pull on her emotions and once, (she'd told no one about this not even Michael,) he'd worn it as he'd raped her, but she was chained down so she couldn't touch him. Seeming to detect where her thoughts had gone, Josh remained silent. Damn, he was one kind man.
"Please Sir, could you say something?" She managed eventually.
"I can indeed," Adam's voice said. She couldn't stop the slight jolt of fear even though she tried. She knew it would take time. But that was when she felt Josh's arms around her in a tight hug. "I can say don't ever call me, "Sir," again Danielle, and that you'll have a friend for life." He moved then, so she was touching his tie and tie pin. For all intense and purposes in her world, it was Adam in a suit. Josh had Adam's voice, and she obviously couldn't see to tell if they looked different.
"They don't," Aiden said, clearly reading her mind. Damn, how did people do that so easily, let alone people who were almost strangers? Yet, she was coming to love them already, which wasn't surprising considering they were all united by horrific abuse and violence. "He has Adam's hazel eyes and spikey black hair. But unlike Adam, he also has a beard. Apart from that though they're identical. Or should I say, they were."
"More's the pity," Josh said in disgust, still hugging Danielle. "Sadly, I can't change my face or voice, not without a lot of money anyway. But I meant what I said. If I can use my voice to help you in any way, please just ask, ok?"
Danielle was mortified then, as Josh lowered his head, so she felt his ears. They were identical to Adam's.
"Dr Loomis!" She said in fake fury, turning to the Psychiatrist. "What did you tell them?"
"Ah now Danielle," Dr Loomis said amiably. "I didn't say one word."
"Actually, it was me," Chris Leach confessed.
Danielle turned to him, shocked. "Really?"
"Yes. I wanted them to know something about you which would help put you at ease. I knew as well as these guys did that you are hearing Adam's voice again, albeit from someone who isn't Adam would be difficult for you to deal with, so I wanted to try and do my bit to help."
She was surprised but appreciated his honesty and that he'd done it all the same. "Well, thanks," she said after a short pause.
"You're welcome."
"Now you're going to ask if I can…" Josh began, before he was whistling a happy little tune. Now Danielle did smile, she couldn't help herself. It seemed Josh could whistle just as well as his brother had once done, accept it also appeared she didn't have to do everything he wanted just to get a one second whistle from him.
"Oh my God," she was truly blushing now. "That… I… thanks."
"So, he's in a suit, has 'nice ears' and can whistle," Joanne teased. "Everything you need and like."
Danielle laughed. "Not as nice as Michael's ears," she moved towards Michael and felt his hand on her shoulder.
Josh smiled at them. "Yes, Mr. Leach here also told me about you two. I wish you both nothing but the best. I sure wouldn't want to be your enemy, Danielle!"
"Oh, be quiet!" She said it sternly but was smiling a little. "Michael's not here as my protection."
"I know," Josh grinned and touched her arm. "But still, my late brother found out the hard way what happens when you hurt someone Michael Myers cares about."
"Um," Danielle began hesitantly, unsure if she should proceed with this train of thought. "I don't know if I should ask this, I mean after all, he was still your brother and nephew…"
Josh and Aiden scoffed in unison. "No, he is fucking wasn't," Aiden snarled. "We don't miss him at all Danielle, as we've said he would've killed us next! Please, don't worry about hurting our feelings for the little prick, as there aren't any there to hurt!"
"Well said!" Josh agreed.
"Did…" still, she hesitated. "Did they ever find his head?"
"I stuck it on a tree branch a short way from the property," once again it was Leach who spoke. "So yes, the police found it a little while later. Saved them having to do an autopsy."
"True," Danielle nodded, feeling a little nauseous. "Cause of death kind of… obvious I'd say and I'm no autopsy expert!"
She pulled out her phone and took Josh's, Aiden's and Lisa's phone numbers. If she were in Lisa's shoes, she'd want to copy Michael and text as opposed to speaking, and she was proved right. Once Lisa had her number, she didn't say another word. Lisa then held up a piece of paper and Jack read it aloud.
Mr. Myers, Sir, I can't thank you enough for what you've done, you've saved our lives. I will forever be grateful to you, Sir. Edward won't be out of prison for a long time, I will be long gone by then, only you, Danielle and a few others will know our location.
This time Joanne whispered to Danielle that Michael had just taken Lisa Dawson's hand in his. She sounded close to tears.
Dr Loomis must've nodded to Rick and/or jack, because the next thing Danielle heard were Michael's chains being removed. It was then Joanne told her Michael was now holding Lisa Dawson. Now, Danielle too was close to tears. This kind man was really Michael Myers, and she'd played a big part in his transformation?
"The biggest," Dr Loomis murmured, squeezing her hand. Again, he'd known what she was thinking.
Don't call me Sir, please, Mrs. Dawson. My name is Michael.
Don't call me Mrs. Dawson, please, Michael. My name is Lisa.
Danielle smiled as Lisa countered back to Michael, Jack reading all messages. Everyone else chuckled too. Michael continued to hold Lisa in a gentle hug, and Joanne whispered to Danielle she'd rested her head against his shoulder. Following her lead, Danielle walked to Aiden and did the same thing. The older man hugged her close in turn.
"When Dawson does get out of prison," Dr Loomis said. "I personally along with my staff will see you have top security, Mrs. Dawson, Mr. Dawson, Mr. Dawson."
"Thank you," Aiden smiled at the doctor. "From all of us. But please, call us Josh, Aiden and Lisa?" The other two nodded.
"Dr Loomis," Leach said after a few moments of silence, clearly unsure when his cue was to speak. "I'm here to obviously meet these fine people, but I also have a request of you. That iPod, please may I have it back?"
"Flattery will get you nowhere Leach," Aiden muttered, glaring at him.
Leach looked abashed. "Sorry, no offence intended, Sir." He turned back to Dr Loomis. "I programmed it, so I want to be the one to get rid of it. That thing's dangerous, and I want no further part of it." So, I ask you please to return it to me so I can do just that. I don't want to risk someone else getting hurt by it. It's… it's done enough damage already."
"Ain't that the truth," Danielle muttered before she could stop herself. If it hadn't been for that iPod, Derek Chancer would not have been able to listen to or report on her to Adam. She would not have needed the sound proofing to her cell either.
Leach turned and touched her hand. "I'm so sorry, Danielle. You've been damaged the most by it, and I truly regret this. This is why I want to personally see it is destroyed and discarded. Danielle, Mrs. Dawson, I cannot apologise enough to either of you for the part I played in letting him go as far as he did. I want to do this to show I mean every word I say."
"Can you open the doors please Danielle?" Dr Loomis asked. She did so and he walked out of the room, returning a minute or so later with the iPod. "See that you do Mr. Leach," he said as he handed it over. "Maybe you can programme a real iPod for music next time."
Leach nodded. "Yes Sir, thank you." He took the iPod and pocketed it. "If I can do anything for any of you," he continued. "You have my number Danielle, call me if you need me. Mr. Dawson's, Mrs. Dawson, you are also more than welcome to get it from Danielle. I mean every word I said. I'm so sorry for everything."
Lisa sighed, holding out her hand to Leach. "Just give us time, ok?" Aiden said, also holding out his.
"Of course," Leach nodded, accepting the offered handshakes.
…
The 10 of them had lunch together in the meeting room, Danielle showing her new friends all the buttons and what they did, explaining about her love of gadgets like this. In turn, they asked her questions of their own, about her life before Adam and what she intended to do next. She also told them she had just been adopted and they all applauded.
"You deserve it," Aiden said warmly. "Couldn't have happened to a nicer woman. I'm sorry about your biological parents though."
Danielle snorted. "I'm not! I feel almost the same about them as you guys do about Adam, Mr. Dawson."
"That's enough of that," Aiden said. "It's Aiden, Danielle."
…
Chris Leach approached Michael on the other side of the room. "Mr. Myers?" He said cautiously, as the killer turned to face him. "I also wanted to apologise to you. I really am sorry for what I played a part in putting Danielle through, and I really appreciate you sparing my life that night, or I wouldn't have been able to do all the things I have done now to change my life around. I know if you hadn't met Danielle, you wouldn't have cared if Adam or I were alive or dead at your hand, but as it stands now, I am grateful to you. You have no idea how close I was to killing Adam one day myself." He looked up as Michael raised a piece of paper.
It doesn't mean I will like nor trust you, Mr. Leach. In fact, if Danielle hadn't interceded for you, I would have killed you that night, with no hesitation.
"I know," Leach nodded. "I would've deserved it, too. I wasn't going to try and stop you; I meant what I said regarding that back then too."
It is your fault Dawson was able to grab her, it is your fault Chancer was able to listen to and report on her to him. It is your fault Danielle's cell had to be modified so heavily to stop this. So why are you even trying to apologise to me? It's Danielle you should be apologising too. She told me you already have, fine. But I certainly will not be so quick to forgive you. Yes, you are correct that if I hadn't met and developed… feelings for her the way I have I wouldn't care, but the facts are the facts, and they can't be changed. You put her life through hell, you allowed Dawson to get as far as he did, you did all that for money. I would still gladly kill you, Mr. Leach. You would do well to keep that in mind and not come too close to me if we're alone on the street.
Chris Leach nodded. "Understood, Sir."
You say you want to get to know me properly, just because Danielle has forgiven you, it does not mean I have to. Yes, I may well have to try eventually for her sake not yours, but that will take time. I have absolutely no desire to speak to, know or even look at you at this moment. Yes, you helped us rescue her and I won't deny I was grateful for that, but I am still certain you had an ulterior motive for doing so. Guilty conscience, perhaps?
"Perhaps," Leach nodded. "I just knew Dawson had gone too far."
Which you allowed and did not try to prevent until it was too late. What about Charlotte, Mr. Leach? I am certain you authorised the hit and run too, correct? I would be willing to bet anything you have not told Danielle that part of your role in all this.
Leach looked away. "I think she guessed," he said quietly. "She's far from stupid."
Indeed. This conversation is over, Mr. Leach. This is purely for Danielle's sake.
Michael held out his hand, and the ex-crime Lord shook it.
The killer turned away, and Chris Leach walked back to the others. He knew everything Michael had just said was right, he just hoped he could prove to him but most importantly to Danielle, that he'd meant every word he'd said, and still be alive at the end of it.
…
Over the next few days, Josh was as good as his word. It turned out the three of them had booked a hotel near Smith's Grove, precisely for this purpose. He and Adam Hughes worked well together, just as he'd said. Adam with the name, Josh with the voice. Danielle's biggest treatment test came when Adam wrote something down for Josh to read to Danielle. It was just like hearing Adam speaking all over again, which was clearly the point. But Josh constantly whistled and let her touch his ears, plus wore a suit one day to make his point. He was not Adam and never would be. On the few occasions she did slip up and call him "Sir," as she was hearing Adam's voice, Josh immediately stopped her. It felt so strange to her to hear Adam's voice gently telling her not to call him 'sir,' when she'd heard the very same voice yelling at her for not doing that very thing for years.
Lisa also showed her the computer she used to speak. She wore a little pad on her chest, which she could type into, and her message would come out of a small speaker, or she could speak into a little microphone. Without her voice box, she could whisper, but she was very hard to hear. She even aloud Danielle to try it. Danielle was reluctant at first, because she didn't want to make light or fun of Lisa's situation, considering she had a perfectly working voice box, but Lisa was adamant. She spoke into the tiny microphone and heard her words come back through the speaker, read by the computer. It was weird to say the least.
"Do you have people asking you to repeat yourself a lot?" She asked.
"Sometimes," Lisa said, she had become a lot more comfortable using her voice in front of Danielle, and this really touched Danielle's heart. She couldn't see, Lisa couldn't speak without help. She was sure that was why they'd bonded in this way. Danielle also found that she could almost hear in her head the tone Lisa would've used, if she did have her own voice.
"But most of the time people can understand what I'm saying."
"Did you have a choice of voices to choose from?"
Lisa squeezed her hand and Danielle knew she was grinning. "No, sadly not. It's not like I would've chosen a sexy male one!"
"Aw why not? I would have!" The two women laughed.
…
Two days later.
"I don't know what you're talking about Michael," Danielle said as they faced each other across the cell's table. "I haven't even seen him."
Don't lie to me Danielle, I know for a fact you have. You can tell me whatever you like, but I know you are lying to me.
"No, I swear to you I'm not, I haven't and don't want to see him."
Michael stood and approached her, sending another text.
I loved you Danielle, I truly did. But this is a step too far.
She felt his lips lightly brush hers, before the searing pain of the knife slitting her throat.
…
Danielle woke up, desperately trying not to scream. Shit that nightmare had been vivid. She put a hand over her mouth, her heart was hammering. It took her a few seconds to realise Michael was not beside her either. She felt a terrible premonition hit her then. Jesus, was Michael needing the kill? Was that why he wasn't with her and had her nightmare been linked to that? The thought was so terrifying she had to stand up and cross to the desk and was unsurprised to feel her legs shaking. Reaching it, she poured a glass of water, spilling some in the process. Shit she felt on edge. She could hear Michael's calm breathing from across the desk and almost did scream this time. It was just like her nightmare; except he wasn't accusing her of seeing another man. But it made her even more horribly certain that she was correct, Michael was indeed hearing the call of the kill. Setting down her glass which rattled against the desktop as her hand shook, she headed back to bed. She didn't say a word to Michael, something deep within her telling her this would be a very bad idea. Despite his assurances and promises to her she would forever be safe from him, it was just like before where she could feel his deadly stare upon her, and she wasn't going to risk anything by speaking.
Reaching over, she pressed the call button and immediately Mel was there. Danielle knew she was one of the 'safe people' just as she was. "Mel," she breathed, standing by the unlocked door. "I think…"
Mel took one look at Michael, took Danielle's arm and escorted her out immediately.
"I'm right, aren't I?" Danielle asked once they were almost at the patience canteen.
"I… It looked like it," Mel said. "I'm working overtime today, which means Jack, Rick and Joanne are in. Let me just… oh hi, Joanne."
"Are you two, ok?" Joanne asked and just those four kind words from someone she trusted like a mother made Danielle almost weak with relief.
"Michael's, you know," she said. Joanne took her other arm with a soft, "ah. Go on Mel, tell Dr Loomis. Danielle and I have got this."
Mel nodded and disappeared, walking fast. "Is she worried?" Danielle asked her friend and guard. "She's not hanging around."
"I think we just can't take chances," Joanne said, squeezing her arm. "But he promised us that Mel, you, I, Rick and Jack are safe, as are the two doctors. I think Dr Loomis will send those two men into him this morning for obvious reasons."
"I had a nightmare this morning," Danielle said as they sat down. "Michael was accusing me of being with another man. He kissed me and then slit my throat. That was literally just before I woke up. What the hell brought that on? I'm wondering now if it was some kind of… premonition, as stupid as that sounds." She was surprised when Joanne didn't answer immediately, and realised she was giving it some serious thought.
"Possibly," she said eventually. "Very possible."
"You really think so? It felt just as it did that night before Halloween, when he looked at me and I knew he was needing the kill. Remember? When Nurse Hathaway talked to me."
Joanne nodded. "I do."
"Before you say it, I know I probably would've been safe to reach out to him, but when Michael Myers is looking at you like that…" she shivered.
"I get it, believe me, I get it."
"I can't even see it and it's fucking terrifying," Danielle almost whispered. "Fuck! It must be a million times worse if you can see that stare!"
Joanne squeezed her arm. "It is," she said bluntly.
"Come on you," she said a few seconds later, putting food and hot drinks into takeout containers. "Let's go and sit by the waterfall, shall we?"
…
Dr Loomis didn't even hesitate when Mel passed on Danielle's message. If anyone would know by now, it was her. "Rick, Jack," he called over the two guards. "Danielle strongly believes Michael is needing to kill this morning, but he has assured you two that you are both safe from him. Please can you go in and escort him out? I will trust you to use your experience and judgement. Be careful."
Rick and Jack looked at each other but nodded. Now, they were truly trusting Michael Myers' promise of safety. "You are good men both," Dr Loomis murmured, touching their shoulders. "Michael likes and trusts you, Rick he saved your life, he's hardly going to take it from you after that is he? Jack, you were there when everything with Dawson went down, Michael trusts you too. Remember that."
The two guards walked to the unlocked cell and entered. Myers was now standing by the far wall, and before they even walked in, they felt his ice-cold gaze upon them.
Rick took the lead. Dr Loomis was right, after chancer, would Michael really attack him? Also, the way they'd recently talked in the exercise yard, when Michael had promised him yet again, he was safe. "Hey pal," he murmured. "You, ok?" Michael's cold gaze didn't leave Rick's face. Jesus! Rick thought. If he hadn't promised me, I'm safe, I'd be running for the door right now! Glancing at Jack, he was sure his friend and colleague was thinking the exact same thing.
Michael turned to face them, and Rick almost ran right there. The temperature in the room felt as though it had just dropped by several degrees. Tentatively, Rick laid his hand on Michael's arm. He knew it was probably a stupid thing to say as Michael would not communicate when needing a kill, but he did anyway, just in case. "I'm your friend, do you want to talk?"
Michael just looked at him, his breathing calm and measured, he didn't move. Jack stepped to Rick's other side. "Hey man," he said, also keeping his voice soft. "Danielle's worried about you."
Rick didn't know if he was mad or stupid, but he stepped in front of Michael and very gently grasped the locket around the killer's neck, opening it to reveal Danielle's picture. While she had one of them as a couple, Michael had specifically asked for one of just her, Mel had told him and now Rick understood why.
The killer's eyes flicked to the picture, then back up to Rick's face. There was no change at all in his expression.
"She needs you," Jack said quietly. "She knew you were… are needing a kill, she's worried about you, that's all. She wants to see you."
Michael didn't move, but neither did he resist as Rick and Jack shackled him. Jack the ankles and Rick the arms. All the while, the killer dubbed as 'The Shape' didn't look away from either man. Jack finally understood why he had that nickname, as well as the 'boogeyman.' Some had even called him 'death' himself. Yet, he'd promised both him and Rick they were safe… but when he was looking at them the way he currently was, it sure didn't feel like it…
"Come on pal," Rick lightly pulled on the chains and Michael followed him. They were using the system Jack had shown Danielle, Rick was holding a bar far enough out of Michael's reach. Jack glanced at him and saw the sadness in his colleague's eyes that it had come to this.
"It won't last," he said in Rick's ear. "A certain someone knows how to calm him." Rick tried to smile but couldn't, so he just nodded.
When they headed out into the exercise yard, they saw Dr Loomis and Danielle standing by the waterfall. Danielle was standing well back as she held the doctor's arm, and Rick felt a jolt of sympathy for her. She loved Michael, but right now she was seeing his dangerous side. Rick pulled gently on the chains, a request, not a use of force and he and Jack led Michael over to his yellow warning line, then across it, chaining him to his concrete block.
Danielle felt a flash of panic. She didn't want to stay out here alone, not knowing whether it was safe to approach her own partner and with no knowledge of the way back in. Joanne guided her over to the bench Rick had previously sat on and she slumped onto it, letting out a long breath. She suddenly felt very close to tears.
"It's ok sweetheart," Rick said, sitting down next to her. "I'm staying right here with you." He put his arm around her shoulders and hugged her. She could feel his handcuffs in their pouch against her cheek. She couldn't help it after his kind gesture and began to cry quietly.
"Shh," it's alright," Rick soothed. "I'm here."
Joanne ran inside and came back a minute or so later with a box of tissues which she handed to Danielle. "Dr Loomis is organising a hot chocolate for you," she murmured. "He'll bring it out in just a minute."
Dr Loomis was true to his word. It was less than five minutes later when he himself arrived, handing Danielle a steaming hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows and a coffee for Rick.
"Come on then," Jack said. "Danielle and Rick have got this under control Joe." She smiled at him and nodded.
"Danielle, if you need me, ask Rick to borrow his radio, she hugged her too. "Jack and I are going back into the block, but Rick and you stay here as long as you need, ok?"
"Well said," Dr Loomis smiled.
"Got it," they said together, as Joanne and Jack walked inside.
…
Detective Ray Peters sat in his office on the eighth floor of the Haddonfield PD Headquarters, gazing out of the window. Usually of a morning he enjoyed doing this before starting his work in earnest, watching all the besuited men and women with their briefcases, newspapers and coffees hurrying towards their offices for another long and tiring workday. This morning however, Peters' eyes were not taking in a single thing. The Email from his boss blinked on his computer screen, feeling more like an accusing eye than a simple digital message.
Peters rubbed a hand across his forehead before standing, removing his suit jacket and tie and placing them on the back of his chair with the tie in his jacket pocket. He then reached into his bag and pulled out his flask, looking again at his engraved initials and thinking fondly of his family.
His wife had asked him just the night before if everything was ok, stating he looked too tired and needed more rest. He smiled lovingly now thinking about Karen. They'd been childhood sweethearts, as cliché as that phrase was, in their case it was the truth. They'd married at 18. He'd kissed her, assured her he was fine and had then insisted it was his turn to cook that night for them and their children.
The truth was, he'd known for a long time this Email was show up in his inbox, it had just been a matter of when. Well now, here it was. The Adam Dawson murder case. Since they had apprehended three of the misogynists who'd held Danielle Hayward prisoner and inflicted horrific assaults on her both mentally and physically. It made him feel sick just to think about it.
Surprisingly though, to him at least, two of the men had sung like birds. He just wished he knew why. They'd been interrogated for hours, finally being asked if they'd killed Dawson. They'd emphatically denied it, but neither had they given up who had. When asked if they feared someone, they'd denied that too, but apparently had looked terrified even as they shook their heads.
This had the PD puzzled. Who on earth could they be so scared of that they were terrified to talk? The killer? Another member had also been killed, which was why Peters had asked Rickets to speak to Culshaw a month or so back. Ashley Griffin. They still had no location for his family, and Peters was starting to think it might be a hopeless and fruitless effort. It just didn't sit right with him, even if the man had been a complete piece of shit, not to at least to do all he could to tell his family he was deceased.
That also begged the question of how that had even happened? His throat had been viciously slit from ear to ear, that had been the cause of death. There were no further stab wounds, or any other injuries found during his autopsy. So, whoever had done it had done so quickly, not hanging around. Were they in a hurry for some reason? Had the cops been closing in and they'd just missed Adam and Ashley's actual killer? Now though, reading the Email on his screen, it all started to make sense, just as his hands had started to shake.
Ray/James,
I'm sure you are aware by now of the story which was told to our deputies who attended Benjamin Stokes' house the day Adam Dawson and Ashely Griffin were murdered. It was Michael Myers who was responsible. I know, I didn't believe it either, until I spoke to Dr Samuel Loomis himself, who has been Myers' doctor for the last thirty something years. Apparently, Myers escaped Smith's Grove hospital and stole a car to get down to Haddonfield. He then killed Griffin and Dawson. As to why, we don't yet know. Nor how he knew where Dawson was, or why he even cared enough to commit those two kills.
Given how savage Dawson's death was with his head cut off, Myers must have had a reason for killing Dawson in this way. Plus, why was Griffin's throat slit, yet none of the other three were harmed?
So, this is what I need you to do. I spoke again to Dr Loomis just last evening, and he finally agreed. You remember I told you I was speaking to him, but didn't wish to disclose why at that point? Well, I am now.
I need you to go into Smith's Grove, but not undercover and speak to both Miss Hayward and Mr. Myers. Dr Loomis has assured me that all safety and security measures will be taken very seriously, but this must be done. We need to know if he did kill Dawson and Griffin. That way, we can close our case. Dr Loomis has authorised the visit for tomorrow, you will meet at 7AM in this building's reception before driving up in a marked police vehicle. Any questions, you know where I am.
Good luck.
SGT. Hawkins.
Just as Peters finished reading the Email for what felt like the hundredth time but must surely have been only the third, there was a perfunctory knock on the door before it flew open. "He's got to be kidding," James Rickets said without preamble, stepping into the room. He was as white as a sheet. "Please Sir, tell me he's kidding?"
Usually, Peters would've reprimanded anyone below his rank for entering without his permission, but now he just sighed and gestured for Rickets to close the door and take a seat. He couldn't deny he'd grown a lot of respect for Rickets since the Kevin Wheeler stunt.
"Sadly," Peters said wearily once James had sat down, "he's not. Have you ever known SGT. Hawkins to crack a joke?"
"Well, no," Rickets admitted. "Wasn't he a deputy back then and the one who arrested Michael Myers in 1978? So clearly, he's got a bee in his bonnet about this guy! Probably pissed off he escaped again! But… but this is fucking insane! How can he expect us to go up there and try and interview that… psychopathic killer? He's out of his fucking mind! If he's so confident it'll work, why doesn't he go up there his fucking self and do it?"
"I agree," Peters nodded. "I can't pretend to you I don't. But he's our boss, he's able to delegate… less than pleasant tasks to us, it's our job."
"But Michael fucking Myers?" James lowered his voice but sounded as if he was struggling to get the words out. "That's… literal suicide!"
"I happen to trust Samuel Loomis," Peters said softly. "A hell of a lot more than I do SGT. Hawkins if truth be told, that's between you and I of course. So, if he says our safety will be top priority, then I'm inclined to believe him."
"I…" Rickets stammered. "I can't do it, Sir!"
Peters sat beside him and again laid a hand on his shoulder. "You said very similar with Wheeler," he said gently. "Then look how well you pulled that off!"
"But… but… this is Michael Myers! He scares the shit out of me!"
"That's no crime either, he scares a lot of people. Me included, again if truth be told. I no more want to do this than you do James, but we have our orders. It's this or get fired from the Haddonfield PD."
"Right now, the second option is tempting," Rickets said. "Does he want us dead too?"
Peters smiled humourlessly. "I think it's more he's of the opinion that we can pull it off. After what you did with Wheeler, I believe it too. On that same note, I want to apologise for my constant addressing you as 'Junior' before the Wheeler thing. That was wrong of me. You are a much better and braver officer than I ever gave you credit for."
Rickets scoffed. "Don't try and flatter me into doing this Sir, because it won't work."
Peters returned his gaze, his expression totally serious. "There's no flattery here James, that was a genuine apology. To tell you the truth, you have greatly owned my respect since the Wheeler thing. I don't doubt your courage or determination to bring justice to victims."
"Ok, thank you Sir, apology accepted. So, what," Rickets laughed but without humour. "We're supposed to go up there and arrest Michael Myers. You can apply the handcuffs then!"
Peters grinned a little at that. "No, Michael Myers isn't going anywhere, we don't need to arrest him, we just need to know if he committed that kill."
"So… what? Is Hawkins… apologies, SGT. Hawkins, expecting Myers to give us a full and honest admission? The guy hasn't spoken for over 30 years for Christ's sake!"
Peters sighed. "I think he just wants to…"
"Tick a box," Rickets glared at the wall. "I'm telling you; he should go up and interview Myers himself!" He took a deep breath, then looked back at his boss. "Ok Sir, when are we going down there to line up for execution? Also, your apology, was that just in case we don't make it back alive tomorrow night?"
…
Danielle and Rick sat on the bench next to Michael's yellow warning line in silence, neither knowing what to say, if there was indeed anything that could be said. Michael hadn't moved at all and was standing with his back to them, perfectly still. Rick was privately thankful for this. Friends they might be, but the last thing he wanted was that cold, blank gaze fixed on him, which usually foretold the seer's imminent death. Although he didn't know it, Danielle was thinking the exact same thing, and was thanking anyone who could hear that she couldn't see it. She remembered how she'd felt it, and that had been terrifying enough. After a few moments, Danielle slowly stood up. Rick joined her but did not try to stop her. "We're safe Rick," she said quietly. "He promised."
Rick swallowed but nodded, following her as Danielle used her cane to step over Michael's yellow warning line. She felt a huge sense of déjà vu as she did so, remembering the very first time she'd done this. That time, Michael would've killed her without a second thought, or so she'd believed. Yet instead, he'd held her hand and the rest as they say, was history. Seeming to detect what she was thinking about, Rick smiled at her and squeezed her shoulder. She stopped when her cane hit Michael's concrete block, just as it had all that time back.
He made no move to turn towards her and she didn't even hear his chains clink slightly. She shivered inwardly. How could someone stand so still?
"You, ok?" Rick murmured to her, clearly having seen something on her face. She nodded. "Yeah, it's just…" she didn't finish her sentence because she wasn't sure which words to use, but she could tell by his touch to her arm he understood completely.
A few moments later, Dr Loomis came out and placed a cup of coffee on Michael's concrete block. It was what was known as a secure cup, because the lid could not come off and there was only a small hole to drink it from, thereby making it much harder to use as a weapon. The killer didn't even acknowledge him.
"Have you seen Mr. Hughes yet this morning?" Danielle asked Dr Loomis quietly. She still could not use his name freely, but knew she was making progress.
"Not yet," Dr Loomis said. "But it's only half past seven and he normally comes in at nine." Danielle nodded to him. "Josh and Aiden will be in then too," Dr Loomis continued. "How is that going? Josh using his voice to help you?"
Danielle let out a shaky breath. "It's… challenging," she said eventually. "It's like Adam's standing right there again, how he was at the beginning when he was pretending to be kind to me. Although he never spoke as quietly and gently as Josh does. Aiden genuinely seems like a good guy too. Too bad his brother and other nephew were such evil men. If it wasn't for what's happened for me now, I'd almost wish I'd met Josh first."
Dr Loomis touched her shoulder and then squeezed it. "I understand," he murmured. "Totally."
"As for Lisa," Danielle continued. "She's a sweetheart. I'm so glad I met her, and not just because we've both been through the same hell and back. We know both have men who care about us." Even if one of them is a killer. "So, we're both starting to know what love is again."
"Indeed," Dr Loomis smiled. "She won't be coming in today though; she's not feeling too good."
"Give her my best and hope she gets better soon?"
"You got it."
"Morning all," said the voice they were just talking about, as Adam Hughes appeared the other side of Michael's line. Instantly, Rick stepped back to make sure he came no closer. He, Danielle, Jack and Joanne might be safe, but Michael had made no promises regarding the DV worker.
"Hi Mr. Hughes," Danielle smiled at him, trying to keep her tone normal. But it was what Hughes said next which confirmed to her that he knew the potential danger he could be in if he came any closer. "I'll meet you inside when you're ready, ok?"
"Mr. Hughes," Danielle called to him, and he turned back. "Can you ask Joanne to come back out here, please?"
"I'm right here," Joanne's voice said, as she did step over the line to Danielle's side. "You, ok?"
"What do you think," Danielle murmured. "I'm on edge, nervous and yes, scared. But I must be here for him. God knows he's been there for me often enough! I knew who he is when I fell in love with him, and my feelings will and have not changed."
"Of course not," Joanne murmured back. "He's still your partner, like you say."
Danielle had no idea what changed, but very suddenly Jack was running towards them as fast as he could, as Rick gently but firmly pushed Danielle back a little. Joanne immediately took her arm but didn't make to move her away from Michael, for which she was grateful. What the hell had happened? She got her answer a few seconds later, when she heard Josh's… Adam's voice.
"Hey Danielle, Michael, everyone."
God, he sounded just like Adam and Danielle could not stop herself shivering. Jack had confided to her recently that he was indeed Adam's spitting image. Two further guards ran over to ensure Josh did not step over Michael's line, neither did Hughes.
HE'S NOT Adam, Danielle shouted to herself again and again. HE'S NOT Adam…
Dr Loomis had told her that Josh hadn't worn a suit and tie since the two times, for which she was extremely grateful. That first time had been hard enough.
No one was prepared for what happened next. Not the guards, Dr Loomis or Danielle. Josh turned to Hughes and spoke again. "Hey Adam, ready when you are pal," before they headed inside.
That was when Michael made his move. He turned so fast that no one saw him do it. Danielle was not expecting it any more than the rest were, so she didn't move. That was her mistake. Because next moment, she felt the hands close around her throat and start to squeeze.
MICHAEL'S GOING TO KILL ME…
The hands of the man who'd held, kissed, comforted her, touched her in their most intimate moments, who's ears she'd touched so many times were now around her throat, cutting off her air.
"WHAT THE FUCK?" Jack shouted. "HE PROMISED US! NOT DANIELLE, NOT DANIELLE!"
Through her fast-fading oxygen supply, Danielle thought fast. Hearing Adam's voice through Josh must've tipped him over the edge, and she was closest. Michael wasn't thinking and she knew when he realised, he'd be devastated by his actions. Knowing she had only a few seconds left before she started fading, she reached up and did the most unlikely thing, something no one outside their little circle would understand or expect. She gently pulled both his ears.
Like a spring being released, Michael released her throat immediately. Her plan had worked. She staggered back against his concrete block, gasping for air and putting both hands to her neck, which she knew would bruise.
"Breathe, Danielle," Rick murmured, catching her in his arms as she staggered. "Breathe, just breathe! If you think you're going to faint, it's ok I've got you."
Danielle felt a rush of affection for him, even through the pain. He too had come close to dying the very same way.
"WATER!" Joanne shouted at one of the guards who handed a bottle over to Rick immediately, the guard tipping some onto Danielle's forehead, as unconsciousness threatened to pull her down. It didn't escape Danielle that Michael himself had done exactly this for Rick just months ago, now he was the cause of her suffering the same thing. Still in Rick's arms, she slumped to her knees against Michael's concrete block and lowered her head.
Jack however was looking at the killer who'd turned to look at Dr Loomis, and the doctor had never once seen what he was seeing on his patient's face now before. Michael Myers was white, his eyes wide with shock, disbelief and guilt. Dr Loomis approached him and lightly touched his arm. "She's ok," he whispered in Michael's ear. "She'll be fine."
After a moment, Danielle shakily took the water bottle from Rick, and took a few sips of the ice-cold liquid. It stung her throat, but also soothed the burning sensation which was filling it. She made to step towards Joanne, when she felt Michael grab her collar and pull her almost violently to him. She didn't stop him. That was when she felt something hit her cheek, and for a second thought it was raining. It was only when Dr Loomis murmured, "it's ok," that she realised exactly what it was, and her heart surged with love, but also shock. Because what had hit her cheek, was a tear from the eye of Michael Myers. She still didn't trust her voice to work, so she rested her hand on his arm, trying to show she understood.
That was when she, the three guards and Dr Loomis heard the soft male voice which spoke five words and it was far from steady, it was shaking.
"I'm so, so sorry, Danielle."
She took his cuffed hand and squeezed it lightly, hoping he understood she was trying to tell him it was ok.
"Was it hearing Josh's voice?" Dr Loomis asked softly, and Danielle was grateful he was speaking for her, asking exactly what she wanted to know. "What's made you need to kill?"
For answer, Michael glared at his concrete block. After a few moments he released Danielle, and raised a piece of paper and pencil Dr Loomis passed him. The written content did not answer the doctor's question but was just as important. Dr Loomis knew Michael had written Danielle a letter before, but this one was the hardest he would have to read to her. His heart broke for her, she wasn't going to like at all what she was about to hear.
"Danielle, I'm so, so sorry for what almost happened. There are several reasons I'm feeling such rage, but you should never, ever have been the recipient of it, even for a second.
Because of this, I can't allow our relationship to continue. I'm too dangerous to love. Meaning I am too dangerous to be loved by you. I will always love you, but I cannot let you be in that danger again. If it happened once, how is there no risk of it happening again? As you once said to me, you will always have a friend for life, someone to talk to, you can fiddle with my ears as much as you like always, but I cannot allow you to love me, we can't stay together. The guilt is ripping me apart.
Just remember, I'm always here for you, always. But I can't let our relationship go on after this. I really, really hope you can understand with time.
I will always love you, but I can't take the risk again. You've already gone through enough violence, and now I'm inflicting more? I'm no better than Dawson. Someday you'll find someone who is not dangerous and can love you far better than I can, without any risk of violence. I will still stay with you while you're here if you want me to and I will always be contactable when you leave, but we cannot continue as lovers. I cannot risk your precious life again. I will always be exceptionally grateful for everything you have done for me, everything you have shown me, taught me. The kindness you have shown me, despite who I am, and the dangers of this exact thing.
I wish you nothing but the best, and I always will.
With all my love,
M."